Core i7-12700K vs Core i9-10980XE
Core i7-12700K
Core i9-10980XE
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-12700K
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-10980XE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($285) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($620) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Cascade Lake-X (2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+132%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($285) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($620) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-12700K and Core i9-10980XE
Core i7-12700K
The Core i7-12700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 November 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture. It features 12 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 34,347 points. Launch price was $409.
Core i9-10980XE
The Core i9-10980XE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake-X (2019) architecture. It features 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 24.75 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 32,187 points. Launch price was $979.
Processing Power
The Core i7-12700K packs 12 cores / 20 threads, while the Core i9-10980XE offers 18 cores / 36 threads — the Core i9-10980XE has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K versus 4.8 GHz on the Core i9-10980XE — a 4.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i7-12700K uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i9-10980XE uses Cascade Lake-X (2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700K scores 34,347 against the Core i9-10980XE's 32,187 — a 6.5% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K vs 24.75 MB (total) on the Core i9-10980XE.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 20 | 18 / 36+50% |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+4% | 4.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz+20% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total)+1% | 24.75 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+25% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm-29% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | Cascade Lake-X (2019) |
| PassMark | 34,347+7% | 32,187 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 24,309 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,242 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 16,275 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-12700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-10980XE uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i7-12700K versus DDR4-2933 on the Core i9-10980XE — the Core i7-12700K supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-10980XE supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 128 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-12700K) vs 4 (Core i9-10980XE). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-12700K) vs 48 (Core i9-10980XE) — the Core i9-10980XE offers 28 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K) and X299 (Core i9-10980XE).
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA2066 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+119900% | DDR4-2933 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 256 GB+209715100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 48+140% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-10980XE supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K) vs Yes (Core i9-10980XE). The Core i7-12700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i9-10980XE requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | Yes |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-12700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the Core i9-10980XE debuted at $979. At current prices ($285 vs $620), the Core i7-12700K is $335 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-12700K delivers 120.5 pts/$ vs 51.9 pts/$ for the Core i9-10980XE — making the Core i7-12700K the 79.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Core i9-10980XE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $409-58% | $979 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $285-54% | $620 |
| Performance per Dollar | 120.5+132% | 51.9 |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2019 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i7-12700K and Core i9-10980XE
